TRIPS, TIPS & DEALS.

Into East Africa on a safari

March 20, 2005|By Margaret Backenheimer, Special to the Tribune.

The non-profit Assisi Animal Foundation of Crystal Lake is offering a leisurely 25-night East African safari timed to coincide with the July migration. Starting in Nairobi, Kenya, the July 15-Aug. 9 expedition covers all the expected safari sites in Kenya and Tanzania--Ngorongoro Crater, Olduvai Gorge, the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tsavo National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve, where million of migrating animals congregate. Twice as long as many similar trips, this safari takes in unusual destinations, such as the Lewa Downs Conservancy, and allows for multiple-night stays in Mombasa and many other stops. The fee of $5,860 covers all lodging, nearly all meals, guides, park fees, airport transfers and safari transportation, including internal flights. Accommodations are in luxury tented camps, lodges, cottages and a "tree hotel." Round-trip international flights to Nairobi, departure taxes, visa fees and gratuities are additional. (815-455-9411; www.assisi.org)

In conjunction with the 10th season of the television reality show "Survivor," set in Palau, the Palau Pacific Resort has come up with a "Survivor Ultra Challenge" covering five nights' accommodations, four buffet breakfasts, three days of diving for beginning or experienced divers, two days' use of water sports equipment and round-trip airport transfers, for $2,201 for two persons. The "Survivor Ultimate Challenge" expands the offering with seven nights' lodging, six buffet breakfasts and five days of diving, for $3,197 for two. International airfare, taxes, tips and a $15 per person Marine Park fee are additional. Packages, valid until Dec. 22, must be booked by fax at 680-488-1606 or e-mail at reserve.pal@panpacific.com. (www.panpacific.com/news(underscore)items/survivor.html)

MOOSE MUSTER

Home to moose, wolves, black bears and loons, much of Algonquin Provincial Park is accessible only by water. A variety of Ontario outfitters provide guided canoe trips through the park, among them Northern Edge Algonquin, which offers "Morning Tea With Moose," a three-night paddling excursion that concentrates on moose habitat. With departures June 23, 28 and 30, as well as July 7, 14 and 21, the outing is priced at $418, including one night cabin accommodations and two nights of camping, all meals, leadership and equipment. An additional $170 covers round-trip transfers from Toronto and an extra night at the lodge with meals. Mention you saw the trip at www.paddlingontario.com and get a 10 percent discount on both fees. (800-953-3343; www.algonquincanada.com or www.paddlingontario.com)

ARIZONA ADVENTURES

The "Arizona Family Package" at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess covers accommodations, daily breakfast, unlimited in-room games and movies, valet parking and a choice of one, two or three adventures--a Jeep excursion, a horseback ride or an all-day van tour of Sedona's "Red Rock Country"--depending on length of stay. Two nights earn one activity for each family member; three or four nights, two activities; and five or six nights, all three, with a "travel lunch" packed for each outing. The "Arizona Family Package" is available year-round, but prices vary, with room rates from March 24 through May 25 starting at $313 for two and prices from May 26 through Sept. 21 dropping to $253 for two. An additional $50 per person per night is charged for the third and fourth occupant of the room, including kids ages 3 and up. Taxes and tips are extra. (800-344-4758; www.fairmont.com)

IN SEARCH OF DIAMONDS

An annual newsletter full of baseball chitchat from the minor and independent leagues is available for the asking, while a guidebook listing these teams is priced at $10, including postage. For either publication, contact "Minor Trips" at P.O. Box 360105, Strongsville, OH 44136 or e-mail minortrips@aol.com.